106 & Park Celebrates 25th Anniversary at BET Awards 2025

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 6, 2025 – BET Media Group announced today that it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic music video countdown show 106 & Park with a tribute at the 2025 BET Awards, airing live on June 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Former hosts AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J will reunite on stage for a nostalgic celebration that shaped a generation.

The tribute will feature performances from Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and others, reviving the energy and music of 106 & Park. Scott Mills, president of BET, expressed the show’s impact, saying, “106 & Park was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade.”

Initially premiering on September 11, 2000, 106 & Park quickly became a staple of Hip-Hop culture, bridging relationships between artists and fans through its unique format and engaging content. It featured various segments like Freestyle Friday, which contributed to its cult-like following.

Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Strategy at BET, stated, “It provided artists a direct connection to their fans, transforming everyday moments into lasting memories. We are thrilled to commemorate 25 years of this iconic series at this year’s BET Awards.”

Alongside the award show, the 106 & Park 25th Anniversary celebration will kick off at the BET Experience (BETX) Fan Fest on June 7 and 8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Activities will include a reimagined Freestyle Friday battle and opportunities for fans to engage with former hosts.

The ceremony will culminate with a powerful tribute during the live broadcast of the BET Awards from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrating the rich legacy of the show and the impact it has had on music and culture.